The 2025 MPI RISE Awards are sponsored by IMEX Group. Photos courtesy RVRB.
From innovation to entrepreneurship to selflessly supporting peers, this year’s individual MPI RISE Awards recipients raise the bar while showcasing the best of us.
YOUNG PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT
This award recognizes an individual 35 years of age or younger with a minimum of one-year professional experience in the meeting and event industry who has made outstanding contributions to MPI and/or the meeting and event industry.
JORDAN LACY, MBA, CMP
ARE THERE ANY SPECIFIC FACTORS THAT YOU FEEL CONTRIBUTED THE MOST TO YOUR SUCCESS AND, SUBSEQUENTLY, THIS RISE AWARD RECOGNITION?
Mentorship, grit and staying connected to purpose have made the biggest difference in my journey. I’m proud to represent the next generation of leaders in our industry—especially as the first generation in my family to receive an MBA—and I’ve made it a priority to show up authentically, support others and stay curious. My background in hospitality taught me to lead with service, and my MBA helped me build the strategy and business acumen to back that up. That combination has allowed me to grow fast and meaningfully.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER YOUNG INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS WHO MAY BE UNSURE ABOUT WHAT STEPS THEY CAN TAKE TO REALLY GROW IN MEETINGS AND EVENTS?
Say "yes" to experiences that stretch you—even if you’re not sure you’re ready. Stay engaged in industry communities like MPI, and don’t be afraid to raise your hand. Every panel you attend, LinkedIn post you make or connection you nurture can lead to a breakthrough moment. Also, think like a strategist: know what value you bring and where you want to go, and build your path with that in mind.
YOUR TECH SKILLS, NOTABLY RELATING TO SOCIAL MEDIA AND VIDEO, WERE CITED WITHIN YOUR AWARDS NOMINATION. CAN YOU SHARE A BIT ABOUT THE TECH YOU LEVERAGED TO ENHANCE ENGAGEMENT AND VISIBILITY?
I use video storytelling to create excitement around events and help associations engage their members in new ways. Whether it’s a "day in the life at an MPI event" video, a screen grab video of our virtual action or a short-form recap, I always aim to tell a compelling visual story. I also partner with my chapter (MPI New Jersey Chapter) to script content that educates, celebrates and welcomes. Canva and any video editor software are my go-to tools. Technology should make things more human—and I think video does that best.
FROM A WORK/BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE, WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT IN THE YEAR TO COME?
I’m most excited about building events that not only connect people but drive business impact. At Capital One, I get to work at the intersection of tech. I’m also looking forward to continuing my work through my nonprofit, Light The Candle, and empowering more students to see a future in this industry. The momentum is real—and it’s just the beginning!
MEMBER OF THE YEAR
This award is given to an exceptional MPI member who through volunteer efforts has made outstanding grassroots contributions and demonstrated unparalleled commitment to the advancement of a chapter, club, community or region.
RAFA HERNANDEZ
ARE THERE ANY SPECIFIC FACTORS THAT YOU FEEL CONTRIBUTED THE MOST TO YOUR SUCCESS AND, SUBSEQUENTLY, THIS RISE AWARD RECOGNITION?
I think the most important thing that’s helped me in my professional career has been the time to commit to social impact. I think the event industry is the best platform to make a change in our society—we are truly agents of change, and I look forward to helping make that change.
With all the technology that is around us we can find all sorts of content and answers, but we must focus on human social skills to really make a change. Working with our Together a World Meetings Forum Foundation and the MPI Anti-Human Trafficking Committee has helped me to look out for more opportunities to make a change and help our community.
HOW HAS YOUR INVOLVEMENT WITH MPI IMPACTED YOU AND YOUR CAREER?
MPI has helped me to understand the value of our industry and, most importantly, the value of our community. I’m impressed with all of the hard work that is behind the association and all the positive things that we are doing. From the business opportunities to the social and community activities, the scope is huge and there are still many things to do.
MPI was the first international association that I volunteered with, via the MPI Mexico Chapter. I’ve since learned about many things that we can do in Mexico and across the Latin American events community.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR INDUSTRY PEERS IN LATIN AMERICA WHEN IT COMES TO VOLUNTEERING WITH MPI?
Take the first step, don’t be afraid and approach any MPI club or chapter to volunteer. Bring an open mind and work hard. The best professional and personal experience comes from working within an association. You will find guidance, content, values, friends and/or a big step in your professional career.
The first and most important step is to show up. Whether it’s a local chapter meeting, regional event or the World Education Congress (WEC), be present and from there you will find all.
CONSIDERING YOUR SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEURSHIP, CAN YOU SHARE ONE PIECE OF ADVICE FOR EVENT PROFESSIONALS WHO HAVE AN ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT BUT ARE UNSURE HOW TO PROCEED?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help, approach everyone that you admire and ask them all the questions you can. Do your homework, research people or things you want to be involved with and then go out and approach those people, communities and friends and ask them for all the help you can.
I’m positive and pretty sure that in these modern times, one of the most valuable things you can find out there, no matter what industry, is a sense of community. With all the things that are happening in our world, I can see people are more open to help, to listen to younger generations and to share with them advice. Be patient, listen and be humble, you will get there.
MEETING INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP
This award honors those rare individuals who by visionary hard work and creative insight have positively changed the global meeting and event industry. It recognizes sustained commitment and substantial contributions to the meeting and event community.
JC YORK
ARE THERE ANY SPECIFIC FACTORS THAT YOU FEEL CONTRIBUTED THE MOST TO YOUR SUCCESS AND, SUBSEQUENTLY, THIS RISE AWARD RECOGNITION?
This RISE Award represents the culmination of nearly two decades of consistent, values-driven leadership across multiple facets of the event industry. At the heart of it all has been a deep-rooted passion for helping others—whether through mentoring future leaders, guiding peers during times of uncertainty or simply being a steady, dependable presence. A major part of that impact has been my work with the SEARCH Foundation, which has helped provide over $1.4 million in crisis relief to professionals across our industry.
Through leadership roles at both the local and regional level, my focus has always been on service, mentorship and the genuine desire to elevate those around me. This journey was never about titles or accolades—it’s been about making a real, lasting difference and helping leave the industry stronger than I found it. Showing up with consistency, empathy and purpose is what I believe ultimately led to this recognition.
HOW HAS YOUR INVOLVEMENT WITH MPI IMPACTED YOU AND YOUR CAREER?
MPI has been a cornerstone of both my professional journey and personal growth, shaping not only what I do but who I am as a leader. Through this community, I’ve developed meaningful relationships, expanded my capabilities and discovered a deeper sense of purpose. MPI has given me a platform to lead with intention, advocate for others and foster collaboration in ways that create real impact. It’s a space where inclusivity and connection thrive—where colleagues become friends, and inspiration is found in the collective support of a community that lifts one another up. Most importantly, it has empowered me to grow while helping others do the same.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR INDUSTRY PEERS WHO MAY BE STRUGGLING WITH THE MYRIAD CHALLENGES AFFECTING EVENT PROFESSIONALS?
Remember, leadership isn’t defined by a title, it’s revealed in the moments you choose to show up, speak up and lift others up. When challenges feel overwhelming, focus on what you can control: how you support your peers, how you keep learning and how you let your passion guide you forward. Never underestimate your ability to create change. Even small, purpose-driven actions can have a powerful ripple effect.
This industry isn’t built on isolation; we grow by leaning on one another. Whatever you’re facing, chances are someone else has been there, too. We succeed because we collaborate, support one another and show up when it matters most. Never hesitate to ask for help or seek guidance. You’re not in this alone.
FROM A WORK/BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE, WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT IN THE YEAR TO COME?
From a business perspective, I’m most excited about the continued collaboration with existing partners on both recurring and new events. There’s something energizing about building on established relationships to create even more impactful experiences. I’m also looking forward to the potential of new partnerships—especially following WEC this past June in St. Louis, where I had the opportunity to connect with so many passionate and innovative professionals. Equally exciting is the chance to work with new contacts across our industry, all united by a shared goal of supporting and strengthening our community. The momentum feels strong, and I’m eager to see where it leads.
